Who Is Like the Lord Our God?

Revelation 15:1-8 - Riley Boggs

One of the most asked questions of all time is the question of “why?” If you’ve ever talked to a little kid for a while you’ve probably experienced this. The conversation goes something like this. “Hey, don’t run in the parking lot.” “Why?” “Because it’s dangerous.” “Why?” Because the cars may not see you.” “Why?” “Because you’re small and running behind parked cars.” “Why?” “I don’t know, you tell me!” “Why?” Some of you parents have learned to stop after about the second or third why and just say, “Because I said so.”

And while we might get frustrated with kids when they do this, I’m not sure us adults are all that much better. Maybe we don’t vocalize it as much, but the question of “why” is likely the one that circulates in our minds the most often. We often ask things like, “Why did this happen, why did that happen?” “Why didn’t this happen, why didn’t that happen?” “Why me, why him?” “Why not me, why not him?”

A little over a year into Shelby and I being married we decided to take a roadtrip out west, to Colorado. At the time I had an older 4runner and we had built a bed with storage underneath it in the back, and we often went camping and slept there. And our plan was to do the trip really cheap by sleeping in the back of the 4runner every night and cooking all of our own meals. The only true cost would be gas and the cost to get into the national parks, or so we thought. Well we made it out there and as we were setting up camp the first night, I smelled something odd. I immediately got on the ground and looked under my car and sure enough there was a puddle of gear oil.

Long story short, my 4runner had to spend 2 days in the shop, getting thousands of dollars of repairs, and Shelby and I just walked around Denver, Colorado with all of our belongings stuffed into the one backpack we brought. Now the reason I bring up this story is this. After we picked up my car and I had paid the incredibly expensive bill, I remember looking at Shelby in frustration and asking, “Why us?” In my mind we had planned everything well and were trying to be good stewards of our money. And yet, not only did we spend a lot of money we didn’t need to spend, but the trip we had been looking forward to for so long was cut short. In that moment, the question I was really asking was, “Why is God doing this to us?” See in my head I knew that God was sovereign and I knew that He loved me and I knew that He did what was best for me, but in that moment none of this seemed to be for our good. And so all I was left with was that question, “Why?”

Here’s why I bring all of this up. Whenever that question arises in our mind and we begin to ask it, what we think we need is an explanation. We think that if God would just explain to us why everything has to happen the way it happened, we would be okay with it. If God would let us in on the full story ahead of time, then we would trust Him. The reality is that God has not promised us the answer to these questions. He doesn’t have to explain Himself to us. He hasn’t promised to give us the detailed reason behind everything He does. And so if our trust in God rests on those things, then our trust in God will waiver. When things make sense to us, we will find ourself trusting God, and our faith will feel strong. When things don’t make sense to us, we will find ourselves doubting God, and our faith will seem weak.

This morning, in our passage, I think we are given something that will help us in those times where the “Why?” is left unanswered. When something happens and we don’t understand how it really is for our good and for God’s glory, this passage gives us something to hold on to. Do you know what it is? It is the character of God. See this is actually what we need in those times of confusion. While we might think that an explanation of everything is pathway for faith, it isn’t. The pathway for faith is found when we come to know and understanding who God really is. And when we are indeed convinced in our hearts and mind that God is who He says He is, that is where our faith grows strong. Not in a better understanding of the world around us, but in a better understanding of the God who is over all things. Our passage this morning does this very thing.

Our text this morning is the beginning of the 5th, and shortest, cycle in the book of Revelation. This cycle is only chapter 15 and 16, and truthfully it could be preached in one sermon. But, I have chosen to not do that and instead spend the whole time this morning looking at only the 8 verses of chapter 15 which I think are laying the foundation for how to properly understand chapter 16. In other words, I think when you get to chapter 16 you might be tempted to ask that question of “why?” And the answer to why is found right here, in chapter 15, which is simply revealing to us who our God is.

In fact before we dive into chapter 15 this morning, I want to give you a brief overview of what happens in chapter 16 so that, hopefully, you can make the connection I am trying to make. This cycle as a whole, made up of chapter 15 and 16, is known as the seven bowls. Specifically, the seven bowls of wrath. Throughout all of chapter 16 what you read about is 7 bowls of wrath being poured out upon the Earth and the people on the Earth. They are violent and intense. Now that shouldn’t be too unfamiliar to us. Throughout the book of Revelation, in almost every cycle, we have seen judgements being poured out on the Earth and the people. Think about the seven seals or the seven trumpets for example. When we looked at those, I said that they were pictures of God’s judgement that He is bringing about on the earth right now. Because of the sinfulness of mankind, God is bringing about judgements on the Earth. It doesn’t take us long to look around and see this to be the case. Sin runs rampant and the negative consequences of that sin is evident. Throughout this book God has been reminding us that we shouldn’t be surprised by this. We shouldn’t think that God’s plan has been thwarted or that the end is unsure. Rather, we are be reminded that God is patiently awaiting the day that He will return and once-and-for-all do away with sin and evil.

And when you get to chapter 16 and you read about these seven bowls of wrath, it is tempting to read them and think of them as the same judgements seen in the previous cycles. That’s what we’ve done this far each time as we’ve looked at a new cycle and talked about each of these. However, it’s important for us to realize that these are different. The judgements in chapter 16 are not the judgements that are happening in our world today. They are not the same as the seven seals or the seven trumpets. The seven bowls of wrath in chapter 16 are a symbolic picture of judgements that are to come. As each cycle shows us a new perspective of the time between Jesus’ first and second coming, this cycle zooms in entirely on the final judgement. Now, you might be wondering, “Riley, how do you know that? Chapter 16 doesn’t seem to read much different than the previous chapters that you said were not about the end.” Well, I’m glad you asked.

Look back with me, for a moment, at chapter 8. Starting in verse 7, look at what it says. “7 The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up. 8 The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9 A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. 10 The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter. 12 The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night.” Over and over again, what is specified about these judgements? They are only affecting a third. They are limited. It’s a symbolic way of saying that God is restraining His judgement towards sin right now. He’s patiently withholding final judgement, so that people might still turn from their sin and trust in Christ.

When you get to chapter 16, this is no longer the case. As each of the seven bowls are poured out, there is no mention of it being a portion. There is no third of this or third of that. When the bowls of wrath are poured out, they consume everything. It’s a clear and obvious picture of final judgement, where God’s swiftly and finally does away with all sin. That’s what is in view in chapter 16. But before that, here in our passage, we are shown the character of God so that we can have the proper response to that final judgement. We are looking at who God is this week so that next week we will not be tempted, for a moment, to think that God is being unfair by bringing about final judgment and pouring out His wrath upon those who deny Him.

With all of that said, look with me starting in verse 1. Our passage begins by John seeing a vision in heaven, and we are told that the seven spirits are set to bring about seven plagues, whereby the wrath of God is finished. That is confirming to us what we just talked about. And then, in verse 2, John says he sees a sea of glass mingled with fire, bringing to mind an image of judgement. And then he says that He sees something else. He says, “...and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb…” What John is seeing is heavenly depiction of all the believers who will be spared from the wrath of God. He says they are those who have conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name. That is, they have victory over sin and death and evil. That’s the first point I have for us this morning...

1.) God is the Redeemer who causes His people to conquer

Throughout all the Bible, this truth is revealed. Story after story God proves Himself to be the Redeemer of His people. Time and time again He makes His people conquer. Think all the way back to the story of Noah. In a world full of corruption and sin, God calls Noah a righteous man and delivers him and his family. He gives His Word to Noah to build the ark so that they might be spared from the coming destruction of the flood. He fulfills His promise in bringing the judgement and in sparing Noah and His family. And then finally, after the waters subside, He makes a covenant with Noah to never destroy with a flood again. It’s a story of God redeeming the righteous and making them conquer.

Now think about the story mentioned in our passage today, the story of the exodus of Israel. Israel was held in captivity in Egypt and through a series of plagues, God brings His people out of slavery. As the story goes, He not only splits the Red Sea so that His people might be redeemed out of bondage, but He also closes the Red Sea back on their enemies so that they might conquer them. And then we see God intentionally and miraculously care for them along the way. That’s only 2 stories from the Old Testament, but so many could be told. The stories of God demonstrating His great love and care for His own, by redeeming them and making them victorious.

I think what we are being shown here in our passage is this same reality proving itself to be true at the end of all things. In other words, we are being reminded that when the end finally comes, God will do what He has always done. He will ensure the redemption of His people and He will cause them to conquer. Whether that be through their death before the Lord comes or in their immediate glorification when He returns, in every and all cases, God’s people will be protected, kept, and made co-heirs with Christ Himself.

Often times we judge people, for better or for worse, based off of their track-record. For example, if you are going to hire someone for a job, you want to know about their previous jobs. Have they shown up to work on time? Did they do what was asked of them? Did they work well with others? These are the general kinds of questions that you want to know so that you can know who this person really is. Well, this is something we need to keep in mind when it comes the track-record of God. Whenever we begin to doubt whether or not the Lord loves us, or we begin to wonder if this is circumstance is really for our good, all we need to do is think back. God has a perfect track-record. He has proven Himself over and over again. In our own lives and in the lives of the millions of Christians who came before us. God has never, ever, proved to Himself to be unworthy of your complete trust and devotion. He is worthy of it, all. Not depending on whether or not you understand everything about your circumstance, but because of His character.

Think about what these conquering saints are doing here in verses 2 and 3. They are rejoicing in the Lord. They are singing songs of thanksgiving, why? Because at the end, when final judgment does indeed come, God will once again prove Himself to be exactly who He is. The great redeemer who makes His people victorious in Him.

There is one passage in Scripture that should immediately come to mind when this word “conquer” comes up, and I want us to turn there for a moment. Romans 8:31-39. This is what we read, “31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, ‘For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.’ 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Could it be any clearer? God is going to ensure that His people, us, are victorious. No matter what comes against us, victory is guaranteed. And it’s not on the basis of our good works or great deeds. It’s not because of what we have done or what we will do. It is entirely because Jesus Christ was victorious over sin and death, and His victory has been given to us. Because He conquered, and we are in Him, we are conquerors.

No greater place do we see the character of God than when the Father sends His only Son to be crushed on our behalf. There is the heart of the Father towards His people. He is the Redeemer who loves beyond comprehension. And then, as Jesus rose victorious from the grave, we see the sureness of victory that awaits all who follow Jesus.

As this cycle of Revelation zooms into the final judgement that is to come, the first thing put before John, and us, is the fact that those in Christ are joyful victors. All because God is the Redeemer who causes His people to conquer.

But now, I want to begin looking at what these joyful saints are singing and the verses that follow the song. Look with me starting in the middle of verse 3, where the song begins. They sing, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! 4 Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

Now, as you can see in the beginning of verse 3, this is not just any song, this is the song of Moses. As Moses and the Israelites stood on the other side of the Red Sea, looking back at the waves toppling over the Egyptians, this is the song they sang. It is fitting that this is the song that the delivered saints are singing, isn’t it? They have been delivered by the hand of their kind of loving God, and their response, like the Israelites, is to sing praises to Him. But what I want us to see is the specific things that are being declared of God. Really I think there are 3 things. First, there is declaration that God’s works are good and amazing, and that worship is a fitting response. I think we have addressed that in our first point this morning. But the other two things we see being delcared of God here are this. God is just and God is holy. And this is what I want us to look at for our second and final point this morning...

2.) God is Holy and Just, so He cannot overlook sin

That point might, at first, seem a bit strange to you. Maybe not if you were in Sunday school this morning, because we addressed this a bit, but this idea that God cannot do something might feel a bit wrong. If God is really the Sovereign Sustaining Creator of all things, how can we say that He cannot do something? Well the answer is that yes, God is limited by something. And that something is Himself. See not only is God the Almighty God of the Universe, but He is also good. And not only good, but He is Holy and Just. Negatively that means He can never do wrong and positivley it means He always does what is right.

Okay, now think with me for a moment as to why this matters. There can be a tempation for us to think that God could handle final judgement a bit differently, and it would be better. We think that at the end of all things, it seemingly would be more kind and loving of God to simply forgive everyone of their sins, no matter what, so that everyone can come to heaven, and no one has to experience the judgement and wrath of God. There can be a real temptation for us to think that is the better way, but God is just committed to this other plan which seems much more violent and maybe even unfair.

I want to be direct when it comes to this. We need to very careful to flee from thoughts like this. First, we should never think ourselves as able to do things better or more right than God. That is the most arrgoant thing we could do. But secondly, and the one that relates to our text, is that God is far too Holy and far too Just to do anything other than judge sin and sinners. If we were Holy like our God, we would understand. If we were just like our God, we would understand. But, we aren’t. And so our response must not be to attribute unfairness to God, but realize that our understanding of what is truly fair has been marred by our own sin.

In the rest of our passage, in verses 5-8, you can see these characterics of God displayed further. The sanctuary of the tent of is opened and the angels and plagues come out. And then we see these symbolic bowls of wrath begin to be prepared. But then, in verse 8, we get a very important detail. What does it say? “...and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sancturary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.” Again, we are being called back to the story of God’s dealings with Israel where He dwelled in the tabernacle. Why did He have to do that? Why couldn’t just anyone enter the holy of holies? Because as the prophet Habakkuk says, God’s eyes are too pure to see evil and He cannot look at wrong. In other words, God is the antithesis to sin. He is the direct opposite of sin. He cannot tolerate it whastover. And so the image is that, because He is Holy, He must be alone until sin is finally dealt with.

And this is precisely why God must one day bring about final judgement on His enemies. He is far too Holy to allow it into His presence. He is far too just to overlook it. He must do what is right and good, and so He must bring about judgement. The delivered Israelites understood this, and so they sang these truths of God. And one day, when all the saints are delievered, we too will sing these truths of God.

Next week, as we will see, the symbolic picture of God’s wrath on judgment day is going to be intense. And as we work through it, my hope is that you won’t feel ashamed about it because you’ve been reminded this week of how God is Holy and Just, and because of that you know, He must judge sin like He said He would. And maybe you won’t feel ashamed about it, and that is good. But imagine you brought a friend to church who had never been to church before. And as I stand in the pulpit and read about the instense suffering of those under God’s judgement, you feel your face start to turn red, so you lean over and say, “We don’t do this every Sunday…” That’s the kind of thing that I think we are being urged to avoid. God’s ways our higher than our ways, and we shouldn’t feel the need to defend God and His actions to those who deny Him.

Instead, what we must do, is quickly tell them why you, as a believer, do not fear these things. You tell them it’s not because they aren’t real or because what you have done. It’s not because your sins aren’t all that bad. It’s not because your parents were Christians or because you’ve been to church enough times. It’s none of that. You tell them that the only reason you do not fear the wrath of God is because Jesus Christ bore it on your behalf. You tell them that yes this is a scary picture of God’s justice on display, but it is by no means unfair. God is Holy and we have sinned against Him. We have thought our ways are better than His ways. We have ignored His commands and pursued the things that dishonor Him. And because of our sin, God has every right to immediatley punish us forever and ever. That is how Holy He is and that is how sinful we are.

And yet, He didn’t. Instead He sent His only Son, Jesus to live among us. He took on humanity and lived an entirely sinless life. He was the only man to have ever not deserved the wrath of God. But, in the greatest act of all history, He went to the cross to die for us. Fully God, fully man, He was able to make salvation possible. He died on the cross and bore all of the sin and the wrath of God for everyone who would trust in Him. For everyone who could not atone for their sins, Jesus did atone for their sins. And now, if you simply call upon the name of Jesus, believe that He died, was buried, and raised on the third day, and place your faith in Him… If you do that, you will be counted among those who are redeemed. No longer to fear the wrath of God, but only look forward to the day when God brings about final redemption. And on that day, as conquerors, we will declare that God is indeed Holy and is indeed just, and we will sing thanksgiving as God does away with all sin and evil once-and-for-all.

The bad news is that we are sinners who stand condemned in front of a Holy God, but the good news, as you’ve just heard, is that Jesus died to make us righteous in Him whereby we can boldly approach the throne.